The strength of respiratory muscles is crucial for quality of life, especially for patients with lung or neurological disorders. Several methods can be used to assess them: i.e direct or indirect ... [more ▼]

The strength of respiratory muscles is crucial for quality of life, especially for patients with lung or neurological disorders. Several methods can be used to assess them: i.e direct or indirect, voluntary or involuntary. The conventional spirometry method assesses indirectly the respiratory function by measuring maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure, which reflects the coordination of all respiratory muscles. Techniques of magnetic and electrical stimulation can detect a specific muscle dysfunction, independently of the patient's motivation, however they are invasive methods as measurements are made in the esophagus and stomach. The voluntary techniques are generally non-invasive and require patient's cooperation. Measures of respiratory muscle strength, coupled to a conventional spirometry, can predict the development of ventilatory support in patients at risk, and may be useful during weaning from mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. [less ▲]

Introduction: For several years, respiratory muscles strength can be assessed by various non-invasive or invasive methods. This evaluation is becoming essential in the context of several respiratory ... [more ▼]

Introduction: For several years, respiratory muscles strength can be assessed by various non-invasive or invasive methods. This evaluation is becoming essential in the context of several respiratory diseases. Methods: In a randomized study, 40 healthy subjects purchased respiratory tests (Sniff Nasal Inspiratory Pressure (SNIP), peak inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax)) includes a measure of their forced vital capacity and strength of respiratory muscles. Influence of various anthropometric parameters on respiratory muscles strength was assessed through the Macro 5000®, with voluntary and non-invasive tests (SNIP, PImax and PEmax). Results: Gender, height and weight have a significant influence on respiratory muscle strength. Conclusions: Macro 5000® allows the measurement of standardized and reproducible data on respiratory muscles strength (SNIP, PImax and PEmax), in a protocol of about thirty minutes. It also checks the influence of different factors when measuring respiratory muscles strength. [less ▲]